Compare Royal Seascope Hurghada Tours & Book
The Royal Seascope Hurghada is a semi-submarine reef cruise departing from Hurghada Marina, priced from approximately $20–$25 per adult with hotel transfers included. The trip lasts around 2 hours total and holds a 4.1-star rating across 1,700+ verified traveler reviews.
If you are weighing alternatives, here is how the main underwater-viewing options in Hurghada compare:
| Feature | Royal Seascope | Semi-submarine cruise | Glass-bottom boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viewing method | Submerged deck 3 m below waterline | Submerged deck, varies by vessel | Flat glass panels at waterline |
| Typical price | $20–$25 per adult | $15–$30 per adult | $10–$20 per adult |
| Duration | ~2 hours | 2–3 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Snorkel stop included | Yes (optional, ~20 min) | Often yes | Rarely |
| Best for | Families, non-swimmers, photography | Similar comfort, larger groups | Budget, short excursions |
All listings on Red Sea Quest come from verified local suppliers with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Book the Royal Seascope cruise to lock in your date and receive instant confirmation.
What Is the Royal Seascope Experience?
The Royal Seascope is a purpose-built semi-submarine — the upper deck stays above water while a sealed observation gallery sits 3 meters below sea level. You descend a short staircase into an air-conditioned cabin lined with large panoramic windows on both sides.
Unlike scuba diving or snorkeling, you stay completely dry. The vessel cruises slowly over shallow Red Sea coral reefs while a guide identifies species through the glass. After the underwater viewing segment, passengers return to the upper deck for an optional 20-minute snorkeling stop with provided equipment and life jackets.
The boat is operated by Egypt Sunmarine Fleet and accommodates up to 40 passengers per departure. It is wheelchair-accessible on the upper deck and suitable for all ages, including infants.
Route, Reef Views & What You'll See
The Royal Seascope departs from Hurghada Marina (New Marina) and reaches nearshore reef sites in approximately 15 minutes. The vessel cruises along coral formations off the Hurghada coastline, in the waters between the marina and the Giftun Islands area.
Through the windows you can expect to see:
- Hard and soft coral colonies typical of the northern Red Sea
- Reef fish including butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish, and clownfish
- Green sea turtles (frequently reported in reviews)
- Stingrays on sandy patches between reef heads
- Occasional moray eels sheltering in coral crevices
Prices, Inclusions & Hotel Transfer Areas
The Royal Seascope Hurghada price starts from around $20–$25 per adult, with discounted rates for children. This typically includes:
- Return hotel transfers (air-conditioned minibus) from central Hurghada zones: El Dahar, Sakala, Village Road, and the New Marina area
- 2-hour cruise with underwater viewing and optional snorkeling stop
- Snorkeling equipment and life jackets
- Soft drinks or water on board
- National park entry fees
Timetable, Duration & Best Time to Go
Total trip time is approximately 2 hours from marina departure to return. Most operators run morning slots (around 9:00–10:00 AM) and afternoon slots (around 1:00–2:00 PM). Hotel pickup adds 15–30 minutes each way depending on your location.
The breakdown on the water:
- 15 minutes sailing to the reef site
- 45 minutes in the underwater viewing gallery
- 20 minutes optional snorkeling
- 15 minutes return to marina
Who It's Best For + Safety, Seasickness & Practical Tips
The Royal Seascope is ideal for families with young children, elderly travelers, non-swimmers, and anyone who wants reef views without entering the water. Children of all ages are welcome — no minimum age applies.
Seasickness: The vessel is large and stable, and the reef sites are sheltered and close to shore. Motion is minimal. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a morning slot when waves are lowest and avoid heavy meals beforehand. Practical tips:- Bring sunscreen and a hat for the upper deck
- Wear swimwear underneath if you plan to snorkel
- A waterproof phone case is useful for photos through the glass
- Tipping the crew is customary but not mandatory (20–50 EGP is standard)
- The glass-bottom boat is a shorter, cheaper alternative if your schedule is tight
